What to do if your Windscreen is Chipped
A flying pebble from a car or truck ahead of you hits your windscreen. At first, a chip in the windscreen seems like a minor inconvenience. It is just a little dot on the front window. It does not affect your vision. It is only a tiny crack.
The tiny crack could become a problem. The chip in the windshield might spread across the window. It could hinder your driving vision. It is possible that the entire window could crack. At the very least, it could be cause for a traffic violation.
The chip problem must be corrected. First, examine your auto insurance policy. The damage will be covered under the comprehensive part of the auto policy. What is the deductible amount on the policy? What amount would you have to pay before the insurance company covers any cost?
Next, contact a glass repair shop. Describe the type of chip and the chip’s location. Most likely the shop will ask more questions to determine if the windscreen should be repaired or replaced. If the crack is tiny and not in the driver’s direct vision, it is possible it can be repaired. Sometimes, the auto insurance company will waive the deductible for the repair of the crack. This could happen since it is much cheaper to repair a windscreen than to replace one.
If it is to be repaired, it should be done quickly. Otherwise, the chip will grow into a crack and possibly spread across the entire window. The spreading can be caused by things such as extreme heat, using the window defroster, the pressure created by driving at highway speeds or just wind velocity hitting the window during normal driving. If that happens, repair will not be possible.
It is a good idea to also get a cost estimate for replacement of the windscreen. Repair will usually work, but it does not bring the window back to its original condition. The glass repair company should be able to tell you how good the window will be after the repair. Ask how long it will last and if it will cause any vision distortion.
In some cases, the best solution is to replace the windshield. Discuss the replacement with the shop. Make sure they use a quality adhesive that will withstand tough weather conditions and high speed driving.
Match the replacement cost against your insurance policy. Before contacting the insurance company and filing a claim, the cost of replacement should be compared against the deductible of the insurance policy. Is it worthwhile?
If so, a claim should be filed. Most insurance companies will not penalize a policy holder for filing a comprehensive claim. It is rare that a surcharge will be issued on future policy rates due to a claim of this type.
The repair should be done in an hour or less. The repair shop will issue instructions regarding any driving restrictions for the time for the windshield to set. It will advise any temporary restrictions for heat or water against the new windshield.
There are also many homemade repairs for a chip in the windshield. Ten different people could suggest ten different methods. One is to inject resin into the crack. Another remedy is to use specialty glue. Auto stores can supply both these materials. Other options are to use super glue, nail polish or scotch tape.
Do any of these options work?
They will all work for a limited time, but soon the crack will return and spread.
